What Christian Norgaard, Brentford’s Captain, Could Offer Arsenal Next Season

To remain competitive in the summer transfer window, Mikel Arteta and the Arsenal board seem to be pursuing various strategies that could greatly benefit the club in the 2025/26 season.

Since Arteta took charge at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal have consistently been in contention for the Premier League title, yet they have fallen short in their attempts to clinch the trophy.

Arteta’s hefty investment of £495m

Whether he appreciates it or not, Arteta is under scrutiny regarding his future after spending approximately £680m on transfers, with around £185m recouped from player sales, leading to a net expenditure near £495m. Additionally, with further investments expected this summer, the pressure for results will intensify.

There’s no denying that the squad is playing commendable football under his management, getting closer to a title win than they have since their unbeaten season in 2003/04.

The impressive way they ousted Real Madrid in last season’s Champions League highlights that the club is progressing, yet the absence of silverware remains a glaring issue.

Ultimately, for Arteta to break through this barrier, the upcoming transfer window is crucial.

Signing Zubimendi: A tactical genius

The transfer of Martin Zubimendi is reportedly just awaiting paperwork and an official announcement, which will be made after June 30th to align with Real Sociedad’s new financial year, marking a promising start for the North London club.

Once confirmed, it would conclude Arsenal’s persistent chase of a player also sought after by the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona, Liverpool, and Bayern Munich.

Furthermore, reports indicate that Arsenal are also pursuing the highly-rated striker, Viktor Gyokeres, although interest from others, including his former manager Ruben Amorim at Manchester United, could complicate matters.

With no agreement for Thomas Partey to extend his contract, replacing him is essential, particularly with Jorginho no longer part of the squad.

Norgaard’s £10m steal

In this regard, Arsenal are believed to have already agreed to sign Brentford’s Christian Norgaard for a fee of £10m, potentially rising by an additional £5m through performance-related add-ons.

At 31, just a year younger than Partey, this move could be seen as short-term thinking. While not a ‘big name’ in the conventional sense, his talent has often gone unnoticed, and this could turn out to be one of the signings of the summer for Arsenal.

Interestingly, Norgaard’s role wouldn’t directly mirror Partey’s, suggesting Arteta may be considering tactical adjustments going forward.

Norgaard ranks third in the Premier League for tackles won (189) since his debut in 2021 (approximately 2.8 per game, whereas Partey averages 2.4), second for ball recoveries (844), and has made the most interceptions (201) of any player in the league during that period (1.8 per game compared to Partey’s 1.1).

​Arteta aims for improved back-four stability

These statistics more than offset Partey’s superior pass completion rate (55.4% to 37.7%), slightly better long passing performance (0.6 versus 0.5 per game), and his prowess in progressive carries (8.0 compared to 2.9 per match).

It’s evident that Arteta prioritises enhanced protection for his defence, and Norgaard fits the bill perfectly.

His presence alongside Zubimendi in a double pivot would fortify Arsenal’s defence, allowing Declan Rice greater freedom to excel in his preferred attacking midfield role.

Rice can also drop into a defensive position when needed, providing Arteta with a wealth of midfield options.

​Brentford’s loss is Arsenal’s gain

With their manager Thomas Frank having already moved to Arsenal’s rivals Tottenham Hotspur and the likely departure of Bryan Mbeumo to Manchester United, Norgaard’s exit could severely impact Brentford’s ability to remain in the Premier League next season.

This would be a disappointing turn for a club that has consistently operated with integrity, but progress in football is relentless.

For Arsenal, this means continuing to recruit top-tier talent to restore the club to its former glories.

Keep up with all the latest transfer news and rumours right here.